Day One

Having transferred from our boutique hotel to the Intercontinental for the start of our cruise Itinerary, we discovered ourselves in a very different part of the City. While San Telmo had felt quite relaxed and safe, the streets around the Intercontinental felt very different. We had a quick walk around after checking in, but since we were still full of lunchtime steak we decided to stay around the hotel and settle for a snack in the lobby bar. It was a useful reminder of why we don’t stay in such hotels.

Our programme listed a 5.00am breakfast call but one of the tour reps told us that the transport to the airport wouldn’t leave till 7.15 so we managed a longer lie – just as well since the Christmas party in the Terrace bar 6 floors below our room didn’t start till 9.00pm and went on very late.

We made it to breakfast with plenty of time and the transfer to the airport and check-in was well organised – particularly as we were upgraded to business class seats and priority boarding – although no fizz on Aerolineas Argentina.

After some free time to wander around Ushuaia we boarded Ocean Endeavour at 16.00 and were shown to our cabin by our very attentive steward Lauren. Since we are going to be on board for 18 days, we decided to treat ourselves to one of the larger cabins and got the Owner’s suite with windows looking over the bow.

Eventually sailed at about 18.00 – slightly delayed by the onshore winds which made it tricky to leave the quayside.  En route to the Falklands – about 36 hours away. Gentle swell and a strong breeze as we got underway.